In looking for a DAC with headphone amp in this price range, I've come across the same mentions over and over:
Grace Audio m903
Mytek Stereo 192-DSD DA
Benchmark DAC2
Yulong DA8
Anedio D2
Linx Hilo
ExaSound e20
Antelope Zodiac Gold (there is currently a used one in this price range)
Most reviews and discussions gloss over headphone amp capabilities, however. Anyone have experience comparing any of these from a headphone amp perspective?
I posted this in the dedicated...

In looking for a DAC with headphone amp in this price range, I've come across the same mentions over and over:
Grace Audio m903
Mytek Stereo 192-DSD DA
Benchmark DAC2
Yulong DA8
Anedio D2
Linx Hilo
ExaSound e20
Antelope Zodiac Gold (there is currently a used one in this price range)
Most reviews and discussions gloss over headphone amp capabilities, however. Anyone have experience comparing any of these?
If none of them have serious HP Amp chops, should...

Thanks for the input. I've been looking at the HD 650 and LCD-2 as open-ear upgrades to my HD 595s. I wish the TH900 were more widely available for trial because I think you are right about specific frequency related brightness sensitivity. Some speakers and headphones that are "bright" don't bother me and some do. Also, for those using equalizers, are using software equalizers in your media player or a physical unit? It looks like earlier posts indicate that HE-500...

It's $30 from Jim, but can be found on ebay for $15 - 20 I think . . . Jim thinks that the phillips would most likely have been made by RCA in the US anyway, but one of the Philiips ebay listings states production in Suresnes, France.

Thinking of trying a 5r4gy from Jim at vacuumtubesinc.com. He has RCA branded coke bottle and a phillips 5r4gyB (straight sided) that's probably american made. There is also a philips 5r4gys dutch army nos on ebay delivered from the Netherlands.
I've seen at least one comment that the RCA version was disappointing compared to only positive comments about the phillips. Does it need to be phillips? I could try both the RCA and straight sided phillips from Jim for...

Hello WA6ers. After reading this entire thread, I think I'll finally post. I have a non SE WA6, currently with stock tubes paired with middling HD595 phones and a middling DACMagic dac, and a very decent Clearaudio Emotion SE TT. I'm looking to upgrade tubes and cans. It looks like HD650, T1, LCD-2 can match well with this amp, and I will probably get one of those eventually, but I am also looking for a closed headphone so I can enjoy in my living room while others...

I've am running a non SE WA6, currently with stock tubes and HD598. I'm looking to upgrade tubes and cans. I've read in the forums that HD650, T1, LCD-2 can match well with this amp, but I am looking for a closed headphone. Fostex TH900 would be great, but too much $. I listen to indie rock, electronic, and classical, have mild hearing loss in the upper voice range (though I am pretty young), and am sensitive to harshness and brightness.